Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The mounted group of six miniature dress medals worn by Warrant Keeper and Steward A. Skipworth, M.V.O., Royal Navy, who served in the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert almost continuously from 1909 to 1945

British War and Victory Medals; Royal Victorian Medal, G.V.R., silver; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1937; Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue, mounted court-style as worn, the ribands somewhat frayed, good very fine (6) £100-£140

M.V.O. London Gazette 1 January 1946.

Albert Skipworth was born in Theddlethorpe, Lincolnshire on 24 April 1884 and joined the Royal Navy as an Officer’s Steward First Class on 26 August 1909, giving his occupation as Footman. He was appointed to the Royal Yacht Victoria and Albert on 9 October 1912, and continued to serve in her until 1945 (bar a brief period during the Great War). Posted to H.M.S. Glory on 7 November 1918, being advanced Chief Officer’s Steward on the same day, he served in her until 4 June 1919, during which period she was the Flagship, Rear Admiral, British North Russia Squadron, based at Archangel to protect supplies arriving there for the Russian Army.

Skipworth returned to the Royal Yacht on 1 July 1919, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on 15 June 1926. He was awarded his Royal Victorian Medal on 23 June 1936, whilst serving as Keeper and Steward, Royal Cabins, and the rolls for the Jubilee and Coronation Medals show him as ‘Warrant Keeper and Steward.’ He was finally shore discharged on 30 October 1945, and was created a Member of the Royal Victorian Order in the 1946 New Year’s Honours’ List, backdated to the date of his retirement.

Note: The recipient did not receive his M.V.O. until after his retirement from Royal Service, and therefore, understandably, it is not included in his worn miniature group

For the recipient’s related full-sized awards, see Lot 101.